The 10 Best Jobs of the Future

If you’re a trying to pick a long-term career it’s worth thinking about 2 things: what will be the high-paying jobs of the future? And secondly, which jobs will be in demand in the future?

Thankfully, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes forecasts for job growth across hundreds of industries. To make it even easier for you, we’ve picked out the best jobs of the future based on current average salaries and the number of projected new job positions.

We’ve only included jobs with a salary of more than $55,000 a year and jobs with a minimum of 75,000 projected new positions by 2026.

If you’re thinking about applying for any of these positions, pay attention to the key skills which are required. There are ways of working them into your resume using a resume builder. Read this guide on the top skills employers want.

Here are the top 10 jobs of the future listed in reverse order by salary…

10. Elementary school teachers

• Approximate salary (2018): $55,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 100,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key skills: Communication skills, leadership, organization, commitment, engagement, confidence.
• What do they do? They teach young children the range of school subjects so it’s important to have a wide skill set. Normally they focus on a specific grade (students of the same age).

9. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives

• Approximate salary (2018): $55,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 80,000+
• Educational requirements: High school diploma
• Key skills: Interpersonal skills, persuasion, organization, influencing, motivating, selling.
• What do they do? They sell products on behalf of wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses and other organizations. They contact potential customers and explain product features, answer questions, and negotiate prices.

8. Market research analysts

• Approximate salary (2018): $60,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 130,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key Skills: Numerical, communication, initiative, problem-solving, attention to detail, organization.
• What do they do? They collect and analyze data to help businesses market their products. The information they look at includes the prices, sales, and marketing methods of their competitors.

7. First-line supervisor of construction trades and extraction workers

• Approximate salary (2018): $60,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 75,000+
• Educational requirements: High school diploma
• Key skills: Problem-solving, communication, logic, attention to detail, technical, multi-tasking.
• What do they do? They directly supervise, organize, and coordinate construction or extraction workers. They read blueprints, determine construction requirements, plan procedures, and monitor progress.

6. Accountants and auditors

• Approximate salary (2018): $70,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 140,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key skills: Numerical, organization, planning, negotiating, managing deadlines,
• What do they do? They prepare and examine financial records. They make sure the records are accurate and hat taxes have been paid properly.

5. Registered nurses

• Approximate salary (2018): $70,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 430,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key skills: Compassion, communication, dedication, critical thinking, observation, kindness.
• What do they do? Nurses work with doctors and other medical professionals to deliver healthcare. They care for patients and assess their needs.

4. Management analysts

• Approximate salary (2018): $80,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 95,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key skills: Problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, organization, analytical, evaluation.
• What do they do?  They propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. They advise managers on how to reduce costs, improve workflow, and ultimately make businesses more profitable.

3. General and operations managers

• Approximate salary (2018): $100,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 200,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key skills: Leadership, interpersonal, technical, communication, planning, conflict management.
• What do they do? They plan, coordinate, and direct the operations of organizations. They play a pivotal role in businesses and are crucial for the smooth running of operations.

2. Software and application developers

• Approximate salary (2018): $100,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 250,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key skills: Programming, logic, creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, analytical.
• What do they do? They develop user-orientated computer applications and programs. They are the creative minds which provide solutions for users of computers, cell phones, and other devices.

1. Financial managers

• Approximate salary (2018): $120,000
• Projected new positions (by 2026): 100,000+
• Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Key Skills: Numeracy, problem-solving, analytical, negotiating, presentation, decision-making.
• What do they do? They are responsible for providing financial advice to clients, colleagues, and organizations. They need to be aware of financial systems and procedures and have a good head for numbers.

If you haven’t been to college there are plenty of well-paid jobs for you. Find out the top 10 highest paying jobs in America you don’t need a degree for.